Category: Sport News

South Africa Keeper stars in high stakes shootout
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

South Africa keeper Ronwen Williams stars in AFCON shootout 

South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was the hero of the day as he saved four penalties to help his team reach the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.

Bafana Bafana will take on the Super Eagles in the semi-finals on Wednesday, 07 February, at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake.

After a goalless draw against Cape Verde, Williams denied the Blue Sharks four times in the penalty shootout to lead his team to the next round, where they will face Nigeria.

Williams gave credit to his entire team and technical staff for his heroic displays on Saturday. “It was tough. They played their part, and it was my time to play my part,” said Williams, crediting his teammates and back-end staff. “I am just glad that we are in the next round. This is not mine, but it is for the collective.” 

The Mamelodi Sundowns man added, “The staff, technical team, and each player. This journey has been tough, but we soldiered on as a team, so I will accept this on behalf of every player in Bafana Bafana.”

South Africa’s captain, Ronwen Williams, not only kept Cape Verde at bay during the 120 minutes of play but also helped his team reach the semi-finals of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023. 

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 African News.

Sierra Leone's Issa Kallon set to join Nantong Zhiyun
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Issa Kallon set to join Nantong Zhiyun

Sierra Leone’s winger Issa Kallon has confirmed joining Chinese Super League side Nantong Zhiyun on a two-year deal.

The former Shanghai Port winger will travel to China from Holland in the coming days. He won the 2023 title with Shanghai Port in October.

The former Cambuur winger moved to Shanghai Port in the Chinese Super League on July 28, 2022. Kallon, who was born in the Netherlands, has played as a former youth international for the Netherlands.

Kallon, 28, was part of the Sierra Leone 2021 Africa Cup of Nations squad. He played in Sierra Leone’s 2-2 draw against the Ivory Coast on January 16, 2022, in the Cup of Nations. 

DR Congo's Yoane Wissa focuses on AFCON semi-final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

DR Congo’s Yoane Wissa focuses on AFCON semi-final

DR Congo forward Yoane Wissa expressed his determination to represent his nation well after their victory over Guinea, which secured their place in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals. 

Wissa scored a crucial penalty in the quarter-final match, which ended in a 3-1 victory for DR Congo, earning him the game’s man of the match. 

He mentioned that he and his teammates are proud to take on the responsibility of raising their country’s flag high and that they are ready to play in any position when called upon by their country. 

DR Congo, who have won the AFCON title twice before last in 1974, are now one step closer to the finals. 

Wissa stated that their team has no preference over their next opponent, whether it’s Mali or Cote d’Ivoire, as they are both great footballing nations, and DR Congo needs to be ready to face either of them. 

The Leopards, who played a great game against Guinea, are continuing to perform well and seem to be peaking at the right time in their pursuit of continental glory.

Nigeria soar into Afcon semis as Lookman nets winner
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria soar into Afcon semis as Lookman nets winner 

Nigeria defeated Angola 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, thanks to a goal from Ademola Lookman in the first half at Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium.

It was Lookman’s third in his last three games at the tournament after his brace against Cameroon in the round of sixteen tie.

Moses Simon assisted the goal, and it came just four minutes before half-time in Abidjan. 

Although Angola had a chance through Zine, who hit the post before the hour mark, they were second-best for most of the game. 

Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen’s had a goal disallowed by the video assistant referee, who ruled him offside in the 75th minute. 

Champions in 1980, 1994 and 2013, Jose Peseiro’s side certainly have plenty of positives to build on as they head into the semi-finals.

Nigeria will now face either Cape Verde or South Africa in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

Nigeria are through to the AFCON 2023 Semi-finals
Nigeria are through to the AFCON 2023 Semi-finals
Midfielder Alusine Koroma joins Spanish side Orihuela CF
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Midfielder Alusine Koroma joins Spanish side Orihuela CF

Midfielder Alusine Koroma has signed a two-year contract with Orihuela CF in the Segunda Federation, in the fourth level of the Spanish football league system.

In the first half of this campaign, Koroma made sixteen appearances for Vélez CF before joining rivals Orihuela CF.

“I am delighted to be part of Orihuela CF, and I am looking forward to helping the team as much as possible,” Koroma told Football Sierra Leone Media. 

“As I step into a new football adventure, my heart swells with gratitude for each one of you. My time at Velez has been nothing short of incredible, brimming with unforgettable memories and the unwavering support of the staff, management, especially Coach Magnus – a true father figure to me – the board, and the passionate fans. You’ve made Velez feel like home,” Koroma noted. 

In 2019, Koroma was a member of the East End Lions team that emerged victorious in the Sierra Leone National Premier League. Later that same year, he underwent a trial with Real Balompédica Linense, a Spanish club where his twin brother, Alhassan, had already signed.

Koroma eventually signed for the club, and in February 2021, he made his debut for the reserve team against CD Alcalá Del Valle.

In June 2021, both Koroma brothers extended their contract with Linense for three more years.